The Council for Hebrew Language and Culture in North America launched last week a monthlong festival as part of its mission to promote Hebrew as a common global Jewish language.
Called Hagigah Ivrit ("A Hebrew Celebration"), it will run until April 7.
Sponsored by the Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life and the World Zionist Organization, the festival features arts and educational events to encourage people throughout the Diaspora to learn the language of modern Israel as a way of creating a worldwide Jewish connection.
"Teaching and promoting Hebrew among Jews in North America and the world is the most powerful way to bring together Jews from all over the world and create a global Jewish community," said Rabbi Andrew Ergas, chair of the board of the Council for Hebrew Language and Culture in North America. "
Hebrew language and culture have been crucial parts of Jewish identity for centuries, and our goal is to bring Jews together by reintroducing them to their Hebrew roots. Teaching Hebrew to Americans of all backgrounds is a sure way to show concretely the vibrancy and humanity of Israeli life and culture."
In New York alone, more than 40 events planned for the monthlong celebration.
The celebration's main event will be "The Hebrew Choir Festival 2019" on March 24 at the 92nd Street Y in Manhattan with New York-area Hebrew charter school and Jewish day school choirs performing Hebrew songs. The choir festival will honor the memory of Arik Einstein, whose work shaped the landscape of Israeli music for decades.
